Campervan Hire in Montreuil: Your French Adventure Starts Here

Discover Montreuil: A Historic Gem in Northern France

Welcome to Montreuil-sur-Mer, a captivating walled town in the Pas-de-Calais department of Northern France that feels like a step back in time. Your adventure with a campervan hire Montreuil begins in a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Geographically, Montreuil is perched on a hill overlooking the Canche river valley. Though its name suggests otherwise, it now lies about 10 kilometers inland from the English Channel, as the river estuary silted up over the centuries, ending its time as a thriving medieval seaport.

The history of Montreuil is rich and palpable. Founded around a monastery in the 10th century, its strategic location made it a key stronghold. The most defining features are its magnificent 13th-century ramparts, which stretch for over 3 kilometers and offer breathtaking panoramic views. You can walk the entire circuit, imagining centuries of history unfolding beneath you. The town's significance is immortalized in literature, as it served as the backdrop for part of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, *Les Misérables*. Hugo stayed here in 1837, and the town's atmosphere inspired the story of Fantine. This connection makes a motorhome rental Montreuil a pilgrimage for literature lovers. Today, Montreuil is a charming town with a population of just over 2,000 residents, but its influence and appeal are immense. Opting for a campervan hire Montreuil allows you to dive deep into this unique heritage. If you're looking for a special vehicle, a 4x4 camper hire Montreuil can also be arranged for more rugged explorations of the surrounding countryside.

When planning your trip with a motorhome rental Montreuil, consider the weather. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Summers are pleasantly warm but rarely hot, with average temperatures between 18-22°C (64-72°F), perfect for sightseeing. Winters are cool and damp. The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the weather is ideal for walking the ramparts, enjoying outdoor cafes, and exploring the nearby Opal Coast. A summer visit might also coincide with the spectacular annual *Les Misérables* sound and light show performed at the citadel. Choosing a campervan hire Montreuil gives you the ultimate flexibility to chase the sun along the coast or find a tranquil spot in the countryside. The experience of a motorhome rental Montreuil is about freedom, and this town is the perfect launchpad for an unforgettable journey through a fascinating corner of France.

Sights & Activities Around Montreuil

Once you've picked up your campervan, Montreuil-sur-Mer and its surroundings offer a wealth of sights and activities to fill your itinerary. The town itself is an open-air museum. Start with a walk along the ramparts, offering stunning views over the Canche valley. Then, delve into the Citadelle de Montreuil, a fortress with origins tracing back to the 9th century and later reinforced by the famous military engineer Vauban. It’s a fascinating place to explore, and its history comes alive, especially if you're visiting with family.

Don’t miss the Église Saint-Saulve, an abbey church from the 12th century with beautiful Gothic architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the upper town (ville haute), discovering artisan shops, art galleries, and charming bistros tucked away in historic buildings. Your campervan hire Montreuil makes it easy to use the town as a base. Park your vehicle at a nearby 'aire de service' and explore the compact town on foot.

The real advantage of a motorhome rental Montreuil is the ability to explore the wider region. You are just a short drive from the stunning Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast). Head to the chic seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage with its vast sandy beach, elegant architecture, and pine forests. A bit further north, you'll find Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's largest fishing port, with a fascinating old town and Nausicaá, the largest public aquarium in Europe. For nature lovers, the coastal drive between Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez offers dramatic white cliffs and views across the channel to England on a clear day. With a 4x4 camper hire Montreuil, you could even venture onto some of the more rural tracks for unique viewpoints. The freedom of a campervan hire Montreuil means you can follow the coastline at your own pace, stopping wherever a beautiful view catches your eye.

Unforgettable Road Trips from Montreuil

Your motorhome rental Montreuil is your ticket to adventure. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get you started from this perfect hub.

🌊 The Opal Coast Explorer (3-4 Days)

📜 A Journey Through History (2-3 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in Montreuil

After a fantastic road trip with your campervan hire Montreuil, it’s time to think about the return process. Most rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a car wash that can accommodate a high-sided motorhome can be tricky, as standard automatic car washes are too low.

You need to look for a 'station de lavage' with high-clearance bays, often found at truck stops ('poids lourds') or larger service stations. These provide the space and equipment, like long-handled brushes and powerful jet washes, needed to properly clean your vehicle. It’s a small step that ensures a smooth and easy handover at the end of your motorhome rental Montreuil experience.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in the vicinity of Montreuil:

1. Eléphant Bleu - Étaples
This is often a reliable choice. The station in Étaples, a town right next to Le Touquet, typically has at least one high-roof bay suitable for campers. Check their specific location for 'rouleaux' (automatic brushes) vs 'haute pression' (jet wash) bays.
Address: Zone des Sablins, Rue des Artisans, 62630 Étaples, France

2. Intermarché Station - Attin
Supermarket petrol stations frequently have good washing facilities. The Intermarché in Attin, very close to Montreuil, has a jet wash station that is generally accessible for larger vehicles. It's a convenient option before heading back to the depot.
Address: 1 Rue du Perroy, 62170 Attin, France

3. Total Wash - Berck
A bit further south but easily accessible if you're coming from the coast, the Total station in Berck often has facilities designed for various vehicle sizes. It's worth a quick check if you're in the area. A clean vehicle is the final part of a successful campervan hire Montreuil adventure.
Address: Avenue du Dr Quettier, 62600 Berck, France

How to Get to Montreuil for Your Trip

Getting to Montreuil to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially for international visitors. The town's location in Northern France makes it highly accessible.

From the UK & Ireland:
This is the easiest journey. If you're travelling from the UK, the most direct route is by car via the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (a 35-minute crossing) or by ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk (around 90 minutes). From Calais, Montreuil is a scenic 45-minute drive south. For travellers from Ireland, you can fly from Dublin to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Beauvais (BVA) and then take a train or rental car. Alternatively, take a ferry to Cherbourg or Roscoff and enjoy a longer scenic drive across France.

From the USA & Canada:
Your journey will begin with a flight to a major European hub. The most convenient is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). There are direct flights to CDG from many North American cities, including New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), and Montreal (YUL). From CDG, you can rent a car and drive to Montreuil in about 2.5-3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a TGV high-speed train from the airport to Étaples-Le Touquet station (often with a change in Calais or Amiens), which is just a 15-minute taxi ride from Montreuil.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Travellers from down under or South Africa will also fly into Paris CDG. Flights from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) will typically involve one stopover in cities like Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), or Singapore (SIN). Upon arrival at CDG, your onward journey to Montreuil will be the same as for North American visitors: a rental car for the final leg or a train journey to Étaples-Le Touquet. Planning this final step is crucial for a smooth start to your campervan hire Montreuil holiday.